Have you always wanted to see behind the scenes of your favorite shows? The Maison de Radio-Canada in Montreal opens its doors to the public with free guided tours offered on weekends. Backstage, studios, production spaces: it's an opportunity to discover how the public service teams produce, day after day, the French-language news and entertainment that airs. Here's everything you need to know about visiting Maison Radio-Canada (its common name) before booking.

The new Maison de Radio-Canada: a brand-new place in the heart of the city

The new Maison de Radio-Canada is located at 1000, avenue Papineau, at the corner of boulevard René-Lévesque Est. This project replaced the old 1973 tower, which stood on the same site and served as the headquarters for Radio-Canada's French services for nearly 50 years.

Designed by the firm Béïque Legault Thuot Architectes and built by the Broccolini Group, the new building was completed in 2020. Broccolini designed these new premises according to the broadcaster's current needs. The teams moved to the new premises gradually: the newsroom and CBC's English services were among the last to relocate. The official inauguration took place on September 7, 2022.

The new house built by Broccolini includes several studios (including studios A, B, D, and R), modern production facilities, and a large atrium. It also features public art elements: the work Résonance des lieux by artist Ianick Raymond highlights fragments of the neighborhood's history.

From Faubourg à m'lasse to today: a bit of history

The site has a long history. In the 1960s, the working-class neighborhood of Faubourg à m'lasse was razed to make way for the first Radio-Canada complex, designed by architect Tore Björnstad. The last house was evacuated in 1963, and the famous tower came into service in the early 1970s.

The development of the new Maison Radio-Canada project has allowed for the revival of part of the street network erased at the time. According to the redevelopment plan, the grounds of the old house are to accommodate housing, offices, shops, and public spaces. For the curious, Radio-Canada's archives, accessible online, are also a great way to delve into the life of this part of the city.

Visiting Maison Radio-Canada: what the guided tour offers

The Radio-Canada tour takes you behind the scenes of the Maison. Accompanied by a guide, you discover the spaces where shows and bulletins are prepared, and you gain a better understanding of the work of production and broadcasting teams, as well as the technical needs of a major radio and television service. Each tour lasts 75 to 90 minutes, depending on studio availability, as they remain active workspaces.

Public tours take place:

  • Saturday and Sunday, from September to December and from March to June;
  • at 11 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.;
  • free of charge, by reservation only.

For fall 2026, Radio-Canada's schedule announces tours from September 13 to December 6. There are no tours in July or on holidays. Tours are conducted in French. Check the official page for Maison de Radio-Canada tours for dates and available spots.

Booking, security, and information to know

Registration is done exclusively online, at least 48 hours in advance. No registration is accepted at the reception, and the number of people per departure is limited. During the tour, a guide from the Experiences team accompanies you at all times. A few rules to remember:

  • a government-issued photo ID is required (driver's license, health insurance card, or passport);
  • you pass through a metal detector at the entrance of Maison Radio-Canada;
  • coats, bags (except handbags), and umbrellas must be left in lockers;
  • minors under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.

The building is certified accessible by Kéroul. However, the tour involves continuous movement, using elevators: participants must be autonomous or accompanied by a support person.

For school and tourist groups, Radio-Canada also offers weekday tours (paid, by reservation). Details and rates are presented on the group tours page.

Attending a show in the Radio-Canada studios

The Radio-Canada studios are not only open during tours. Throughout the year, the network invites the public to free live recordings: podcasts, radio shows, quizzes, or comedy specials. These events are announced as they happen on the Radio-Canada Experiences site, categorized by type and region, and advance booking is also required.

It's a different experience from the tour: you see a production unfold live, with the host, technical team, and guests. Seats often fill up quickly, so sign up for the newsletter to get information on upcoming recordings.

Practical information

  • Address: Maison de Radio-Canada, 1000, avenue Papineau (corner of René-Lévesque Est).
  • Public tours: Saturday and Sunday, at 11 a.m. and 1:30 p.m., from September to December and from March to June.
  • Price: free.
  • Duration: 75 to 90 minutes.
  • Booking: online, at least 48 hours in advance.
  • Parking: no parking available on-site; there are paid spaces on surrounding streets.
  • Metro: Papineau and Beaudry stations are the closest, according to Radio-Canada.

These details may change from season to season: always check the official site before your visit.

Frequently asked questions about Maison de Radio-Canada

Where is the new Maison de Radio-Canada located?

The new Maison de Radio-Canada is located at 1000, avenue Papineau, in Montreal, at the corner of boulevard René-Lévesque Est, on the site of the old tower.

Is the Radio-Canada tour free?

Yes. The guided tours offered on weekends to the general public are free, but you must book online at least 48 hours in advance. Group tours during the week are paid.

Can you visit Radio-Canada with children?

Yes, minors under 18 are admitted if accompanied by an adult. As the tour lasts more than an hour, it is better suited for school-aged children.

Where are the Radio-Canada studios in Quebec City?

This guide focuses on the Montreal house. The network also has studios in other cities, including Quebec City: Radio-Canada Experiences present the activities offered in each region.

Also to discover in the metropolis

Curious about the neighborhood's history? Continue with the Écomusée du fier monde. For another unique outing, consider the Musée de l'Illusion, Prison Island, or the Village au Pied-du-Courant.